Camaraderie Foundation For Veterans Host Inaugural Ruck Sack Race

TAMPA, FL — Camaraderie Foundation’s inaugural ruck sack race at Busch Gardens on May 1 attracted more than 300 competitors and spectators and raising more than $25,000 to provide free counseling for veterans and military members.

The family-friendly event brought awareness to and raised critical funds for the Camaraderie Foundation while attendees “walked a mile in their boots," the boots of the current and former military service members the organization serves every day.

Participants enjoyed running, walking or rucking the 5K course through the park, an awards ceremony, live music and refreshments.

Camaraderie Foundation would like to acknowledge the numerous volunteers and sponsors who helped make this a successful event including title sponsor Lukos and colonel sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Busch Gardens for the discounted park passes for attendees.

“Lukos proudly supports Camaraderie Foundation, embraces their mission, and appreciates the invaluable life-changing resources they provide at no cost to such a vulnerable and often-underserved population," said Lukos Chief Executive Officer Garth Arevalo. "We sponsored the event and many of the Lukos Wolfpack ran, walked and rucked to support the foundation."

Next year’s Ruck Sack Race Tampa will return to Busch Gardens April 30.

Registration and sponsorship details will be made available on the Camaraderie Foundation website.

Founded in 2009, Camaraderie Foundation is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide healing for the “invisible wounds of war” through counseling, emotional and spiritual support for all branches of military service members, veterans and their families.

Counseling is free, confidential and private.